Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that protects consumers from abusive debt collection practices. The FDCPA was enacted in 1977 in response to widespread reports of debt collectors using harassing and deceptive tactics to collect debts. The law establishes a set of rules that debt collectors must follow when they contact consumers.

The FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from engaging in a variety of abusive practices, including:

• Calling consumers at unreasonable times or places
• Using abusive or threatening language
• Making false or misleading statements
• Contacting consumers after they have been told to stop
• Trying to collect debts that are not owed
• Taking legal action against consumers without first sending them a written notice of their rights

The FDCPA also gives consumers a number of rights, including the right to:

• Receive a written notice of the debt collector's identity and the amount of the debt
• Request that the debt collector verify the debt
• Dispute the debt
• Stop collection calls
• Contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to file a complaint

If you believe that a debt collector has violated the FDCPA, you can file a complaint with the CFPB. The CFPB can investigate the complaint and take action against the debt collector if it finds that the law has been violated.

The FDCPA is an important law that protects consumers from abusive debt collection practices. If you are being contacted by a debt collector, you should be aware of your rights under the law. You can also contact the CFPB for more information about the FDCPA and your rights.